Houston, TX, June 23, 2020 – Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Bender.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Amber. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all started with my 16-month-old daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The only thing worse than hearing those four horrific words, “Your child has cancer” is then learning that there isn’t a whole lot they can do to treat it. We treated my baby girl with 40-year-old drugs that were designed for adults, extremely toxic and worse, ineffective. Despite the progress that has been made in some areas, there are still many types of pediatric cancers that have made little to no headway and some still with a zero percent survival rate. My husband and I wanted to change the story for the future kids who will be diagnosed. We envision a day when every child can be cured of cancer and go on to lead long healthy lives. Less than 4% of funding is allocated towards pediatric cancer research, which is simply not enough to make significant change anytime soon. So we decided to start Addi’s Faith Foundation in memory of Addi, but to impact all children. www.AddisFaith.org https://addisfaithfoundation.org/who-we-are/our-story/addis-story/

During Addi’s illness, we also learned first-hand just how difficult it is to care for a child with cancer. Not only is it emotionally devastating, it can also be financially draining. More often than not, a parent will need to quit their job in order to provide the necessary care. This reduction in income comes at the same time when bills are drastically increased, causing an immediate financial crisis. Medical bills, travel costs, medications, etc. pile on top of the standard bills and families get swamped quickly. We understand the toll this can take on the entire family and we want to help. In addition to funding critical pediatric cancer research, Addi’s Faith Foundation also supports families in their time of need. We will pay rent/mortgage, car notes, utilities, or whatever is needed most. We want to alleviate some of the financial burdens so parents can better focus on helping their child get better.

After 12 years, we are proud to say that we are still going strong and have no intentions of stopping. Thanks to our amazing supporters, Addi’s Faith Foundation has distributed over two million dollars towards our mission of funding research and helping families.

Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think there is such a thing as a continuously smooth road. If you travel long enough, you’re bound to hit a bump or two. What’s important is how you deal with it. These bumps and struggles can actually be catalysts for change-making things better than ever. Hurricane Harvey was a difficult time for all Houstonians and the aftermath affected our revenue in a real way. We stood beside our flooded community and together put the pieces back in place. Slowly but surely, things returned to “normal,” and our faithful supporters were there for us. Currently, we find ourselves in another significant struggle with COVID-19. Multiple fundraising events have been cancelled, our revenue is down and we have no idea when and how things will change. So we’re looking at alternative ways to generate funds. We’re holding events virtually and we are pivoting in ways that will ensure our programming will continue. Change is never easy, but I’m convinced that, when embraced, it can cause great things to happen.

Please tell us about Addi’s Faith Foundation.
We are proud of the research that we’ve been able to fund at MD Anderson Cancer Center. They are the world’s leading institution when it comes to cancer and we couldn’t be happier with our partnership. We feel good about the funding we give them because we know that they will put it to the best use and that their goal is the same as our… ending cancer. The Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research Lab has been named after Addi’s Faith Foundation. It’s gratifying and special knowing that life-saving research is being conducted in a lab that is supported by Addi’s Faith Foundation.

We’re also very proud of our Relief Project and how we offer help to families when they need it most. Month after month, families come to us with desperate situations. They might be months behind on a bill and days away from getting their electricity shut off or car repossessed. They don’t know how they are going to pay their rent this month. They’re trying to decide upon filling a prescription or buying groceries. Although we can’t solve all their problems, we can offer a little reprieve. One of my favorite ways to help is to catch a family up on a past due bill. Can you imagine the relief felt when that red PAST DUE bill gets paid? This simple act also helps families know that they aren’t alone. It allows them to see that people care about them. That bit of kindness not only alleviates stress but also brings light and hope into a time that can feel very dark and hopeless.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is a.maz.ing!!! We have some of the most generous, caring individuals and businesses around. Almost everyone I come in contact with has been more than supportive and genuinely wants to help. Some give time and some give money and I’m beyond grateful to each of them. I’ve continuously surrounded by genuine love and it further fuels my passion for change. I’m blessed and proud to operate a non-profit, and live in this wonderful community.

Contact Info:

• Address: Addi’s Faith Foundation
  2410 Riverway Oak Drive
  Kingwood, TX 7745
• Website: www.AddisFaith.org
• Phone: 281-785-4098
• Email: amberbender@addisfaith.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/addisfaithfoundation/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/addisfaithfoundation
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddiFaith
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1O6e1CotFm7-cRKiFDj2Vw

Image Credit:
Snapgirl photography

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Link to original publication: VoyageHouston

About Addi’s Faith Foundation
Inspired by one little girl’s battle with brain cancer, Addi’s Faith Foundation was formed in hopes of freeing the world from childhood cancer. By funding critical pediatric research, AFF ensures advancements are made and that less toxic, yet more effective treatments are found. Until the cure is discovered, Addi’s Faith Foundation desires to provide emotional and financial support to parents as they care for their child with cancer. A registered 501(c)3 charity, Addi’s Faith Foundation has distributed over 1.5 million dollars since their inception in 2008.

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Houston, TX, November 14, 2019 – Panera Bread® teamed up with Addi’s Faith Foundation for the second year in a row to join in the fight against childhood cancer. On Sunday, November 10th, Rolling Dough, Ltd., and The EYM Group; the two Panera Bread® franchisees in Houston, College Station, Lake Jackson & Beaumont, Texas; presented a check totaling $24,422.36 to Addi’s Faith Foundation. The EYM Group raised $2,714.43, and Rolling Dough, Ltd. raised $20,409.18, from the sale of Addi’s Faith Ribbon Cookies sold during the month of September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In addition, Sandi Rideaux, the Training Manager of the Panera Bread locations in Pearland and Lake Jackson, Texas; as well as her husband Chris Rideaux, who owns a trucking company in Lake Jackson, committed to match all donations coming out of those two locations in honor of their nephew, who is currently battling cancer. Their family donated $1,298.75.

Fundraising efforts like these are part of Panera Bread’s Community Giving™ program, where a portion of the sales from certain items are put into action through Panera’s partnership with organizations like Addi’s Faith Foundation; in order to assist them in their mission. In this case, to find a cure for childhood cancer and provide family support.
“These donations are fueled by our amazing customers, and are a clear indication that they stand with us in our commitment to those in need,” said Mark York, Vice President of Operations for Rolling Dough, Ltd. “Panera Bread is honored to work alongside our customers to support Addi’s Faith Foundation and their mission”.

“We are always looking for new and exciting ways to raise funds and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer. Everyone loves Panera and we knew the Addi’s Faith Cookie would be a great way to observe Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. It’s really a no-brainer when you take a great cookie and a great cause and create a product that people can feel good about purchasing. Less than 4% of research funding is allocated to pediatric cancers so it’s crucial that organizations like Addi’s Faith step up and fill some of the gap. We’re really grateful to Panera Bread for joining us in our mission for the second year,” said Amber Bender, Founder and Executive Director of Addi’s Faith Foundation.

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About Rolling Dough, Ltd. and Panera Bread®
30 years ago, at a time when quick service meant low quality, Panera set out to challenge this expectation. We believed that food that was good and that you could feel good about, served in a warm and welcoming environment by people who cared, could bring out the best in all of us. To us, that is food as it should be and that is why we exist. So we began with a simple commitment: to bake fresh bread from fresh dough in every bakery-cafe, every day. Each night, any unsold bread and baked goods were shared with neighbors in need. These traditions carry on today, as we have continued to find ways to be an ally to our guests. That means crafting a menu of soups, salads and sandwiches that we are proud to feed our families. A commitment to transparency and options that empower our guests to eat the way they want. And a commitment to removing artificial additives (flavors, colors, sweeteners and preservatives) from the food on our menu. We think that simpler is better and we believe in serving food as it should be. Because when you don’t have to compromise to eat well, all that is left is the joy of eating.

As of November 1, 2019, Rolling Dough, Ltd. owns and operates 21 bakery-cafes in the South & East areas of Houston, TX; as well as Beaumont, College Station & Lake Jackson, TX, all under the Panera Bread® name. As of November 1, 2019, The EYM Group owns and operates 19 bakery-cafes in Northwest Houston, as well as Lubbock and Midland, TX, all under the Panera Bread® name.

About Addi’s Faith Foundation
Inspired by one little girl’s battle with brain cancer, Addi’s Faith Foundation was formed in hopes of freeing the world from childhood cancer. By funding critical pediatric research, AFF ensures advancements are made and that less toxic, yet more effective treatments are found. Until the cure is discovered, Addi’s Faith Foundation desires to provide emotional and financial support to parents as they care for their child with cancer. A registered 501(c)3 charity, Addi’s Faith Foundation has distributed over 1.5 million dollars since their inception in 2008.

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Have you ever had to scramble and adjust your schedule when your kiddo comes down with a fever? Perhaps you’ve had to miss work when you REALLY needed to be there, or cancel an important meeting, or miss a fun play date that your other kiddo was super excited about.

As a mom, you know that when your child is sick the “regularly scheduled programming” of your day is shot. Instead, you spend your time fetching popsicles, dispensing medicines, washing soiled sheets and disinfecting everything in sight hoping that this bug doesn’t hit everyone in the house like the last one did.

Can you imagine… doing that every day for three years? 

Can you imagine…if instead of strep throat or a fever, your child had cancer?

Instead of missing work for a day or two, you’re missing it for weeks or months at a time.

It happens.

In fact, it happens more than most of us care to think about.

• 1 in every 300 children will be diagnosed with cancer.
• 46 kids – each and every day.

My daughter was one of those 300. At 16 months old, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and my greatest fear became reality. Instantaneously, my world was flipped upside down as I struggled to comprehend those four dreaded words, “Your daughter has cancer.”

“There was no time to prepare. No easing into it. One day life was “normal” and the next it was not.”

Her first hospitalization lasted 3 months. At the time, I was fortunate enough to be at home raising my 3 children. Had I still been working outside of the home; I most definitely would have needed to quit. My husband and I became ships passing in the night. He would take over the hospital shift to be with Addi. I would go home to see my boys and do chores that don’t stop just because your heart feels as if it has. Then, we would switch again….and again…and again.

We were blessed though. Fortunate enough to be able to survive on one income, to have lots of help from friends, to live close to top-notch medical care, and to have decent insurance. We had it better than most and it was still hard. So. Very. Hard.

I’m skipping, of course, a whole lot of the story but Addi went through hell. She endured 13 surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, proton radiation, and countless sticks pricks and procedures in attempt to save her life.

Nothing worked. On December 4th, 2007, I held her in my arms as Addi took her final breaths.”

During Addi’s battle, I encountered two issues that I simply couldn’t ignore.”

1. There is a severe lack of funding for pediatric cancer research.
2. Caring for a child with cancer requires help and lots of it.

Desperate to change the current realities of childhood cancer, my husband and I started Addi’s Faith Foundation.

Less than 4% of funding is allocated towards pediatric cancer research. Think about it…out of every available research dollar, only 4 cents are working to find cures for childhood cancers. This lack of funding is precisely why my daughter was treated with 40-year-old, hand-me-down drugs that were designed for adults, proven to be extremely toxic, and worse of all…ineffective.

Addi’s Faith Foundation funds leading research so that safer and more effective treatments can be found.

Having a child with cancer is an all-consuming juggling act. You continuously oscillate between doing everything humanly possible to cure your child and managing rest of your family and daily necessities of life. The appointments, hospital stays, scans, treatments, and sick days are constant and the bills ever-increasing. Paid time off runs out. Income is cut in half or becomes non-existent. The PAST DUE bills clutter counter tops with new ones being added every day forcing decisions that no parent should ever have to make: Sticking to the treatment protocol or keeping your home. Going for lab work or keeping the lights on.

Here’s where Addi’s Faith Foundation steps in to provide emotional and financial support to families as they care for their child with cancer. Covering expenses like utilities, mortgages, car payments, and more, AFF will pay bills directly so that parents can focus on the health of their child.

Parents who are caring for a child with cancer already have enough stress. Our mission is to help them through this tough time so they can better focus on helping their child get better. —Family Assistance Application—

You might think that there’s not a whole lot that YOU can do about such a big problem. Well, you would be wrong. EVERYONE can DO SOMETHING, and EVERYTHING helps!

HOW ABOUT A FEW IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED

• Share this Blog Post
• Participate in an upcoming event
• Create a birthday (or any day!) fundraiser on Facebook
• Join our Email Newsletter
• FOLLOW US ON Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram
• Join the Sunshine Circle
• Tell a Friend about Addi’s Faith Foundation
• Check out our volunteer opportunities.

Together, we can positively impact the world of childhood cancer. Will you join me?

Forever grateful – Amber Bender

Coal Valley, Ill. (KWQC) – A childhood cancer foundation held a walk at Niabi Zoo on Sunday to raise money for families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer.

 

The Addi’s Faith Foundation put on the “Walk By Faith” event where people could also donate their hair to Locks of Love.

Addi’s parents said they lost their daughter 12 years ago to an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor in her brain. She was almost 2-years-old when she passed away.

“In her honor, we started Addi’s Faith Foundation to support pediatric cancer research and also help families dealing with a cancer diagnosis during that difficult time,” said Addi’s mom Amber Bender.

Amber and Tony Bender used to live in the Quad Cities. They traveled all the way from Houston to give back to QCA families dealing with a childhood cancer diagnosis.

“It’s not as rare as people like to think. One in 300 children will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime,” said Amber.

She said Addi was a sweet girl who always had a smile on her face despite her challenges.

“She went through a lot in her short little life — multiple surgeries, brain surgeries, spine surgeries and chemotherapy. The treatments she was treated with were extremely toxic and really harsh. That’s why we are trying to fund research. So not only we can find that cure, but we want safer treatments for these children because they are extremely toxic.”

September is an important month to the Benders because it is childhood cancer awareness month.

“We want September to go gold everywhere in the United States and in the world so everyone recognizes how important childhood cancer awareness month is for the month of September,” said Tony. “Let’s get the ball rolling and raise more money.”

People at the event were able to raise over $20,000. The Benders said the money that was raised will stay local and go towards families touched by childhood cancer in the Quad Cities.

Brandi Dixon raised $1,000 by volunteering to donate her hair at the event.

“I’ve had long hair for quite a few years. This is probably my third time donating my hair for kids wigs,” Dixon said. “This was a new thing that came up and they wanted to do it for Addi’s Faith. Right away everyone said you have to do it. And I did it.”

Dixon said her father passed away from a cancer similar to Addi’s.

“To watch your child go through it… I can’t even imagine,” she said. “I watched my father go through it. His tumor was very similar to Addi’s. It took his life within less than three months.”

Addi’s parents said they want everyone to gold for childhood cancer awareness.

“We want to make the same amount of progress that breast cancer has made over the years. They’ve done a great job and have very successful treatments now. A lot of that started with awareness.”

This is the second year the Benders put on the Walk By Faith event. Addi’s parents hope to come back and continue it every year for the community.

By Angela Rose | Posted: Sun 12:06 PM, Sep 22, 2019 | Updated: Wed 11:06 PM, Sep 25, 2019
LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Bent River Brewery is formulating a limited edition beer to support Addi’s Faith Foundation in the fight against childhood cancer. It’s a Golden Ale with Himalayan Pink Salt and natural lime flavor. You will be able to find in at their brewery as well as in select Hy-Vee locations.

Come join Addi’s Faith Foundation at The Niabi Zoo as they band together in the fight against childhood cancer. The day starts with a walk throughout the zoo and is followed by a celebration complete with snacks, festive music, awesome kid’s zone with inflatables, face-painting, and more. Event day registration (although it is easier & cheaper to register now) and packet pickup starts at 7:00 am and the walk starts at 8:30am. Your registration includes a t-shirt, swag bag, all the celebration activities & food as well as entry to the zoo for the day.

All proceeds benefit Addi’s Faith Foundation in their mission of funding pediatric cancer research and assisting families as they care for their child with cancer.

Updated: Fri 5:12 PM, Sep 20, 2019
LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE

HOUSTON (Sept. 5) – The month of September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and it brings five unique and fun ways to support the fight against childhood cancer through Kingwood-based Addi’s Faith Foundation.

Amber and Tony Bender of Kingwood founded Addi’s Faith Foundation a decade ago in memory of their daughter Addison Faith after little Addi died of cancer just two months shy of her second birthday. Addi’s Faith Foundation is dedicated to ending childhood cancer by funding childhood cancer research and providing financial and emotional support to families struggling to care for a child with cancer.

“The month of September is an important one for all of us at Addi’s Faith Foundation,” Amber Bender said. “We hope the month can bring special awareness to our mission and our ongoing battle against childhood cancer. These four events are unique ways to have a little fun and to raise some funds as we help these children and their families fight cancer.”

The first chance to support Addi’s Faith Foundation is Sept. 9 at Alspaugh’s Ace Hardware, located at 10720 Kuykendahl Road in The Woodlands, Texas. Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. that day, 20 percent of all purchases will be donated to the foundation. Plus, if you purchase $120 or more in merchandise, you will receive a free Kendra Scott gift.

Throughout the event at Alspaughs, Club Pilates will provide wine, snacks and hold hourly raffles. More information on the day can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/340852143536575/.

Next, Addi’s Faith has teamed up with the L3 Foundation and Mother’s Against Cancer to help turn all of the Humble Independent School District GOLD. On Sept. 13, the football game between Atascocita High and Kingwood High at Turner Stadium will feature fans wearing gold shirts to honor children fighting cancer.

Special #GoldFightWin T-shirts can be purchased at https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/TX/Humble/GoGoldToFightCancer, with proceeds going to the three foundations. All fans are encouraged to wear gold shirts to the game, which will feature a special halftime performance, rally towels, and a sea of GOLD on both sides of the stadium.

To learn more or purchase a shirt visit: www.GoldFightWin.org.

Third, Addi’s Faith Foundation will host a Houston Texans Watch Party on Sept. 15 at noon at Back Pew Brewing located at 26452 Sorters Road, Porter, Texas. The Watch Party features the special Addi’s Faith Foundation limited-edition Kolsch, brewed by Back Pew.

The cost is $12 for adults 21 and over, and that includes an AFF beer glass and two beer tokens. All proceeds will go to Addi’s Faith Foundation. Food will be available, and kids will be admitted free. The Kolsch itself also can be purchased to go.

If you can’t make the party, the Addi’s Faith Foundation Kolsch can still be purchased at many local stores and the brewery while supplies last.

Local Panera Bread locations will continue to sell Addi’s Faith Foundation cookies throughout the month with 50-percent of all sales going to AFF. Participating Panera Bread locations can be found at https://addisfaithfoundation.org/events/panera-bread-aff-cookies-september/.

Finally, Addi’s Faith Foundation will partner with the Niabi Zoo in the Quad Cities to host a Walk by Faith celebration at the zoo on Sept. 22. Starting at 9 a.m., participants will be able to walk through the zoo, followed by a celebration with snacks, festive music, an awesome kid’s zone with inflatables, face-painting, and more.

The cost is $25 for adults, $15 for children 17 and under and $50 for “Sleepwalkers.”

The zoo is located at 13010 Niabi Zoo Road, Coal Valley, IL 61240. More information can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/CoalValley/joinusinthejunglewalkbyfaith5KKidsfunrun.

KINGWOOD, Texas (Aug. 19) – Addi’s Faith Foundation has another “sweet” deal to help in the fight against childhood cancer – and it’s all going to happen one cookie at a time.

The foundation is teaming with select Panera Bread locations in Houston and other areas in Texas to raise money through the sales of special Addi’s Faith Foundation cookies. Throughout September, patrons at 21 different Panera Bread locations in Texas can buy the special cookie knowing 50 percent of the sale will go to Addi’s Faith Foundation.

“It’s so wonderful to partner with Panera again this year,” said Amber Bender, Founder and Executive Director of Addi’s Faith Foundation. “Last year’s cookie partnership went very well, and we’re thrilled to be able to do it again. I can’t thank the Panera franchises enough, and we all hope we sell a lot of Addi’s Faith cookies as we battle this terrible disease.”

Last year, Panera Bread presented Addi’s Faith with a check totaling more than $9,000, and Bender hopes to double that total in 2019. A full list of participating Panera Bread locations can be found at www.addisfaith.org.

Amber and Tony Bender of Kingwood founded Addi’s Faith Foundation a decade ago in memory of their daughter Addison Faith after little Addi died of cancer just two months shy of her second birthday. Addi’s Faith Foundation is dedicated to ending childhood cancer by funding childhood cancer research and providing financial and emotional support to families struggling to care for a child with cancer.

For the month of August, Addi’s Faith Foundation has partnered with two Houston-area Culver’s restaurants to raise money, with 50 percent of shake sales going to the foundation.

Participating locations are located in Kingwood, Atascocita, Pasadena, Sugarland, Pearland, Clear Lake, Copperfield, Cinco Ranch, Galleria, West University, Rosenberg, College Station, Baytown, League City, Northshore, Beaumont, Lake Jackson, Friendswood, River Oaks, Dairy Ashford and West Chase. More locations may be added so please check back often at www.addisfaith.org.

KINGWOOD, Texas (Aug. 8) – The owners of two local Culver’s restaurants have a “sweet” way to “shake” up a cure for childhood cancer during the month of August with a special offer benefitting Addi’s Faith Foundation.

The best part is it’s super easy, and tasty, to help such a worthy cause.

Anyone can simply stop by Culver’s of Kingwood and/or Culver’s of Atascocita during August and buy any size and flavor of shake, and the restaurant owners will donate 50 percent of that sale to Addi’s Faith Foundation.

Amber and Tony Bender of Kingwood founded Addi’s Faith Foundation a decade ago in memory of their daughter Addison Faith after little Addi died of cancer just two months shy of her second birthday. Addi’s Faith Foundation is dedicated to ending childhood cancer by funding childhood cancer research and providing financial and emotional support to families struggling to care for a child with cancer.

“We’re so thankful to Culver’s for helping Addi’s Faith and the fight against this terrible disease,” said Amber Bender, Executive Director and Founder of Addi’s Faith. “I hope we can all shake things up at Culver’s this month and raise a bunch of money to support our cause.”

Customers don’t need to mention the foundation or present any coupon to participate.

Culver’s of Kingwood is located at 331 Northpark Drive and the Culver’s of Atascocita is at 5420 East Atascocita Road. The two restaurants are independently owned and operated by Barry and Kim Nevermann and Lisa and Don Burton.

“We’re thrilled to do our part to help Addi’s Faith Foundation and Amber and Tony Bender,” Lisa Burton said. “Amber and Tony do great work to not only honor their daughter but to help so many others that hear the same diagnosis for their little ones. We hope we set a sales record for shakes this month.”

In the first week of August, a whopping $1,433.54 was raised for Addi’s Faith.

Culver’s features several flavors of shakes, including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, mint, peanut butter and salted caramel. Additional flavors are available upon request.

 

Houston, TX, November 16, 2018 – Panera Bread® is partnering with Addi’s Faith Foundation to join the battle against childhood cancer. On Sunday, November 11th, Rolling Dough, Ltd. & The Cain Holding Group; the two Panera Bread® franchisees in Houston, College Station & Lake Jackson; presented checks totaling over $9,000 to Addi’s Faith Foundation.

These donations are part of Panera Bread’s Community Giving™ program, where a portion of the sales from certain items are put into action through Panera’s partnership with Addi’s Faith Foundation; in order to assist them in their ongoing mission to find a cure for childhood cancer.

“These donations are fueled by our amazing customers, and are a clear indication that they stand with us in our commitment to those in need,” said Keith Isbell, Chief Operations Officer of Rolling Dough, Ltd. “Panera Bread is honored to work alongside our customers to support Addi’s Faith Foundation and their mission”.

“We are always looking for new and exciting ways to raise funds and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer. Everyone loves Panera and we knew that an awareness cookie would be a great way to celebrate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. It’s really a no-brainer when you take a great cookie and a great cause and create a product that people can feel good about purchasing. Less than 4% of research funding is allocated to pediatric cancers so it’s crucial that organizations like Addi’s Faith step up and fill some of the gap. We’re really grateful to Panera Bread for joining us in our mission,” said Amber Bender, Founder and Executive Director of Addi’s Faith Foundation.

About Rolling Dough, Ltd., Cain Holding Group, and Panera Bread®
30 years ago, at a time when quick service meant low quality, Panera set out to challenge this expectation. We believed that food that was good and that you could feel good about, served in a warm and welcoming environment by people who cared, could bring out the best in all of us. To us, that is food as it should be and that is why we exist. So we began with a simple commitment: to bake fresh bread from fresh dough in every bakery-cafe, every day. Each night, any unsold bread and baked goods were shared with neighbors in need. These traditions carry on today, as we have continued to find ways to be an ally to our guests. That means crafting a menu of soups, salads and sandwiches that we are proud to feed our families. A commitment to transparency and options that empower our guests to eat the way they want. And a commitment to removing artificial additives (flavors, colors, sweeteners and preservatives) from the food on our menu. We think that simpler is better and we believe in serving food as it should be. Because when you don’t have to compromise to eat well, all that is left is the joy of eating.

As of November 1, 2018, Rolling Dough, Ltd. owns and operates 21 bakery-cafes in the South & East areas of Houston, TX; as well as Beaumont, College Station & Lake Jackson, TX, all under the Panera Bread® name.

About Addi’s Faith Foundation
Inspired by one little girl’s battle with brain cancer, Addi’s Faith Foundation was formed in hopes of freeing the world from childhood cancer. By funding critical pediatric research, AFF ensures advancements are made and that less toxic, yet more effective treatments are found. Until the cure is discovered, Addi’s Faith Foundation desires to provide emotional and financial support to parents as they care for their child with cancer. A registered 501(c)3 charity, Addi’s Faith Foundation has distributed over 1.5 million dollars since their inception in 2008.

Written by Tom Broad
Published: 30 October 2018

The only thing worse than hearing the horrific words, “Your child has cancer,” is learning that there really isn’t much that can be done about it.
That’s why Amber and Tony Bender of Kingwood created Addi’s Faith Foundation.

“We saw a huge need in the world of childhood cancer when our own daughter, Addi, was diagnosed,” said Amber. “Addi was treated with 35-year-old, hand-me-down drugs made for adults, which were extremely toxic and, worse of all, ineffective.”

Tony and Amber founded Addi’s Faith Foundation 10 years ago to honor their daughter, Addison Faith Bender, who died of a cancerous brain tumor at age 2, and to fund childhood cancer research as well as financial and emotional support for families struggling to care for a child with cancer.

“We believe there is a cure out there and together, we can find it,” said a determined Amber.

The 10th Annual Walk by Faith 5K Race/Walk benefiting Addi’s Faith Foundation will be held Sunday, Nov. 11 at 8:30 a.m. at the University of Houston.

Addi’s Faith also hosts “Addishack,” their annual golf tournament each April at Tour 18 in Humble, but the not-for-profit foundation also relies on revenue from members of the Sunshine Circle who pledge a monthly donation.

“The Sunshine Circle is our only steady income and it is important to be able to count on it coming in,” said Amber. “In honor of our 10th anniversary, our goal this year is to reach $10,000 from our Sunshine Circle members. We’re halfway there right now! It’s amazing what $10 a month can do when all those $10 donations are added together.”

The funds are used to help families in need.

“There are hundreds of very similar stories I could tell about families who are caring for a child with cancer and facing added expenses, too,” Amber said.

She describes a single mom with three children, one with cancer. After a long session of treatments, the child was going to be released from the hospital but the mom was worried about being evicted from their home.

“Addi’s Faith was able to get them caught up with their rent, allowing them to spend Christmas at home without worry,” said Amber. “We helped another mom get a car after hers was flooded during Hurricane Harvey. We sent another family that was spending hundreds of dollars a month on Uber an Uber gift card, and we sent a check to a family to replace the dad’s income, so he could be with his son during the final weeks of his life.”

Less than four percent of cancer research funding is allocated to pediatrics, so Tony and Amber have put an added emphasis on funding efforts to find safer and more effect treatments for kids and, perhaps, one day finding a cure. Addi’s Faith Foundation supports the work of Vidya Gopalakrishnan, Ph.D., associate professor of Pediatrics at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, who has developed groundbreaking therapy for treating pediatric brain cancer.

“Thanks to Addi’s Faith support, this research has entered into a Phase I clinical trial,” said Amber, “a rarity in the world of pediatric brain cancer. It shows tremendous promise and we expect this project to progress into Phase II in a year.”

Tony and Amber hope to expand Addi’s Faith Foundation by expanding nationally.

“The future involves growing the number of supporters, so we can offer more services and fund additional research projects,” said Amber, “and we’re planning expansion projects to become nationally recognized. We already help families across the United States and now we will begin to hold events throughout the U.S.A., too.”

Addi’s dad, Tony, knows that nothing will bring their daughter back, “…but we are truly honored to see that her legacy will live on.”

For more information about participating in the Annual Walk by Faith at the University of Houston on Nov. 11, or to become a sustaining member of the Sunshine Circle, visit AddisFaith.org.

Tom Broad
Author: Tom BroadEmail: broadtom@hotmail.com

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